Angers

Angers äNzhā´ [key], city (1990 pop. 146,163), capital of Maine-et-Loire dept., W France, in Anjou, on the Maine River. A business and trade center, it is known for its wine and the famous Cointreau liqueur. It also has glassworks, printing plants, and factories making electronic and photographic equipment, textiles, food, paper products, and tiles. On its outskirts are the largest slate quarries in France. Of pre-Roman origin, Angers became the seat (870–1204) of the powerful counts of Anjou and the historic capital of the province. There is a fine cathedral (12th–13th cent.) and a museum containing 14th-century tapestries and a large collection of the sculpture of David d'Angers. The 13th-century castle was among the buildings damaged in World War II. Schools of fine arts and medicine are located there.